March 6 2004
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Women's battle kicks off Dasani Community 5K spring series BY DEAN GREENAWAY A battle between the race coordinator and a marathoner highlighted the Dasani Community 5K Spring Series that kicked off on Saturday with a small field of participants running from the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School in Sea Cows Bay, to the A. O. Shirley Recreation Grounds in Road Town. Race coordinator Stephanie Russ Penn and marathoner Victoria Ghiorse entered the race for different reasons. Penn said she had considered running before the race began, but after finishing registration she decided to participate. Ghiorse who had already ran eight miles before the race in preparation for the upcoming London marathon, opened a lead on Penn in the final 300 meters when they entered the A. O. Shirley Recreation Grounds. Penn however, used her sprinting background to slip past Ghiorse to win the women's division in 23:44.3 to Ghiorse's 23:44.7. "It was a good race, but I still have 11 more miles to go," Ghiorse shouted as she crossed the finish line to continue her training without offering further comments. "I really needed a workout today so I jumped in because I realized we had enough help at the finish line and the Rotary Club of Tortola volunteers were out in force," Penn explained. "I thought the race got off to a good start. When we started the College Classic Series, we only had 17 persons in the first race. I know it will grow from here." Linden Peters was the overall winner, covering the 3.1 mile course in 18 minutes and 56.7 seconds, while Zebalon McLean finished second in 19:17.6, and tri athlete Chris Ghiorse placed third in 20:00.7. Among the 13 who showed for the eventa hybrid of the fall College Classic Serieswere marathoners, tri athletes, keep fit enthusiasts, college athletes and an individual who just wanted to get in shape for his upcoming wedding. The next race in the series aimed at encouraging distance running in the BVI, is set for March 27. That race will start at Bobby's Round About, head to the Port Purcell Round About and return to finish after a lap around the Administration Complex. That race will be coordinated by the Rotary Club of Road Town, while Saturday's race was coordinated by the Rotary Club of Tortola. Final results; Men: 1. Linden Peters, 18 minutes, 56.7 seconds. 2. Zebalon McLean, 19:17.6. 3. Chris Ghiorse, 20:00.7. 4. George Mason, 20:40.9. 5. Nicholas Clark, 21:41.6. 6. Denley Simmons, 25:42.39. 7. Joseph Smith, 31:47.0. 8. Jose DeCastro, 39:47.8. Women: 1. Stephanie Russ Penn, 23:44.3. 2. Victoria Ghiorse, 23:44.7. 3. Darwn Peters, 23:59.6.
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